The Geographical Society’s first Marco Polo event of the 2019-2020 season will be held on September 10, 2019. The speakers, topics, and program descriptions are as follows:
Susan Feagin - South India: Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Susan will talk about the architecturally distinctive Hindu temples, stunning landscapes, and colorful urban life of these contemporary communities.
John Wetzel - A Barge Trip in France
John will describe two canal boat trips: one on the Canal du Midi in the south of France, the other on the Canal du Center in the Burgundy region. The trip was done with a self- driven 40-foot canal boat with three couples aboard.
Tom Tauber - Masked Pastorela Dances of Mexico
Tom will show photographs and videos of several festivals from the state of Michoacan, near the city of Morelia. Between Christmas and Epiphany, in the highlands of Mexico, villagers commemorate Mary’s and Josef’s search for a shelter for baby Jesus to be born. This event is celebrated with festivals in which masked and costumed dancers are the main attraction. The villagers and their children are dressed in their finest outfits, like the little girl in the photograph. The masks and costumes differ greatly from village to village.
Tickets include light dinner, one drink, and the presentation. $6 drinks available for purchase. Discount parking available for $12.